Pop music usually 'derogatory' about ageing

Your favourite song may be setting a bad example as a new study has found that most of the popular records portray ageing in a negative light.

The analysis of popular music revealed that while older age and ageing are represented both negatively and positively in music lyrics, negative representations predominate.

Most of the music texts were generated from a young person's perspective and their imaginings of old age.

While negative and positive emotions can influence health and well-being, further research is needed to explore what impact negative texts in popular music may have on older individuals.

The authors wrote that recommendations from these studies suggest more sensitive, positive, inclusive and less stereotypical media reporting of issues and activities relating to ageing and older people.

They added that while it may prove an impossible task and an infringement on free expression to censor all negative expressions of old age, it is important nonetheless that awareness is raised and some efforts exerted to suspend stereotypes and negative age and ageing identities in popular music due to the penetrating effects of melody and lyrics on peoples' mindsets.

The study appears in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.